Tuesday, 19 July 2011

In the News: 'Singing penis' sets noise record for water insect


From BBC News: 'Singing penis' sets noise record for water insect
Scientists from France and Scotland recorded the aquatic animal "singing" at up to 99.2 decibels, the equivalent of listening to a loud orchestra play while sitting in the front row. 
The insect makes the sound by rubbing its penis against its abdomen in a process known as "stridulation". 
Researchers say the song is a courtship display performed to attract a mate. 
Micronecta scholtzi are freshwater insects measuring just 2mm that are common across Europe.
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